Don C. Garrett, M.D.

Donald Clinton Garrett (Don C. Garrett), MD, 89, of Abilene passed away January 18, 2018. Don and his twin, Dick, were born in Abilene on November 3, 1928, to Rich and Doris Garrett. Don and Dick started Abilene Christian Schools, then known as the Demonstration School, as first graders and stayed on “the Hill” for the next 15 years, graduating from Abilene Christian College in 1949. They were both known as “DickeyDon” to the many people who could not tell them apart. Don and Dick shortened their school experience by skipping the senior year of high school and enrolling at ACU without the benefit of a high school diploma.

After graduation from ACC, Don taught school for one year Petrolia before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. During this time of transition, he met Peggy Austin, an ACC coed who was working at a church camp in Thorp Spring, TX, -- a camp run by Rich and Doris Garrett. They were married during his military time and at the conclusion of Don’s stint in the USAF, they moved to Dallas for Don to attend UT-Southwestern Medical School – where Dick also attended (the “twin thing” would continue all of their lives). While Don attended medical school, Don and Peggy had their first two children – Don and Dean.

In 1958, Don concluded medical school and the family moved to Monahans, where Don established a general practice at the Sandhills Clinic. During Don’s stint in Monahans, two more children were born – Dan and Dee Anne. After 10 years in general practice in Monahans, Don returned to UT-Southwestern for his anesthesia residency in 1968. In 1971, Don became an anesthesiologist (just like his twin, Dick) and Don and Peggy moved to their home town of Abilene to start his anesthesia practice. Don was later a founding member of the Abilene Anesthesia Group.

Don and Peggy were always active members in churches in each place they lived. In Monahans, it was the 3 ^rd and Dwight Church of Christ. After arriving in Abilene, they spent almost 15 years as members of the Highland Church of Christ, where they were co-teachers of the third grade class. For over 20 years, they have been active member of the South 11 ^th and Willis Church of Christ and have taught Bible classes. Don and Peggy practiced a ministry of hospitality throughout their marriage. Literally, hundreds and hundreds of students, visiting missionaries, ministers, international immigrants, and other friends have broken bread at the table of Don and Peggy.

Don is survived by Peggy, his wife of 65 years; son Don and his wife, Carla, of Abilene; son Dean and his wife, Taryn, of Charlotte, NC; son Dan and his wife, Paula, of Albuquerque; and daughter, Dee Anne and her husband, Scott Taylor, of Paducah, KY. Also, grandchildren – Brett Garrett, Dana Garrett Jordan, Meredith Garrett Walling, Tiffany Taylor, Krista Taylor, Mason Garrett, Zach Taylor, Marcus Garrett, Grant Garrett and Jennifer Taylor, plus step-grandchildren Curtis Peterschmidt and Danessa Peterschmidt Gray. Don is also survived by sister-in-law, Elizabeth Garrett. Plus, great-grandchildren, cherished nieces and nephews and the church family at South 11 ^th and Willis Church of Christ. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Legacy Lane at Wisteria Place for their kind and compassionate care of Don over the last 14 months.

A service honoring Don’s life will be held at 10:00 am Monday January 22, 2018 in the chapel at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.  Visitation with the family will be Sunday afternoon from 1-3 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts can be made to:

• Sam’s Place, S. 11 ^th and Willis Church of Christ, 3309 S. 11 ^th Street, Abilene, TX 79605
• Abilene Christian University, ACU Gift Records, ACU Box 29132, Abilene, TX 79699 (gifts specified for science equipment)

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.